Optum Therapists in Connecticut

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 8 verified therapists in Connecticut who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

Availability updated: 7/13/2025

Dr. Bernard Scott

(he/him)

Dr. Bernard Scott, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Bernard Scott, and I live in Boston Massachusetts. I attended Boston Public Schools, attended Boston University for my bachelor's degree, Simmons University for my master's degree, and Southern California School of Professional Studies where I received my Doctorate (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology. I became licensed in (psychiatric) Clinical Social Work and received my LICSW License in 1996. I have been in this field for over 35 years and worked in a number of clinics, hospitals in Boston and Brockton. I enjoy helping people find their inner strength and work through those subconscious unresolved issues from the past so that the individual can finally be free from childhood traumas, past relationship issues ect. I strongly believe that between the developmental ages of 1 through 18 can and does affect who you are today and what ever happened to you between that time still has a hold on you today at the ages of 20, 30 50, etc. Getting rid of all that hurt, anger, trauma, etc. so that you can address it, work through it, come to terms with it and ultimately leave it all behind, and unload it.

Jessie Gambrell

(she/her)

Jessie Gambrell, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am Jessie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am licensed in CT, SC, FL and UT! I help clients navigate relationships and life changes that may be causing stress or keeping them stuck. I am trained by the BECK Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with extensive training in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorder and meditation CBT style!

Inna Dobkin

(she/her)

Inna Dobkin, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University. My concentration was clinical practice in health and mental health settings. For the past 14 years I have been working in a hospital setting. During this time I have worked with individuals and families facing serious illness, life altering diagnosis, grief, substance abuse, homelessness as well as various other life transitions, depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

Samantha Denzel

Samantha Denzel, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Licensed Clinical Art Therapist. I completed my Masters of Arts Degree in Clinical Art Therapy and Counseling at Long Island University. I have clinical experience providing both talk and art therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and groups. I have worked in mental health facilities, medical settings, and in schools. In therapy with me, you can expect to be met with authenticity, empathy, a little humor, insight, and creativity. Together you will build on the strengths you already have to improve your relationships and solve the challenges that have brought you to therapy. I am patient, gentle, and empathetic in my approach to therapy. I meet my clients where they are and assist them on their journey of self-discovery.

Najmeh Mahani

Najmeh Mahani, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Masters from Houston Baptist University and have been practicing for 6 years. I hold license to practice in state of Texas also Connecticut. I help teens and adults with different concerns and conflicts such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, eating disorders also personality disorders to become the best version of themselves.

Ransford Waite

(he/him)

Ransford Waite, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a compassionate clinician with an abiding interest in people generally. At my core, I believe in the dignity of human life, and has dedicated my life in the service of my fellow humans to improve their lot in life, and achieve their true potential as productive members of society. I am in the helping business. Helping clients navigate life difficulties, be it serious medical diagnosis, major life events or developing adaptive coping strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of death and dying and grief and loss.

Janet Guthrie

(she/her)

Janet Guthrie, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! Are you feeling overwhelmed by day- to day issues? Are you struggling in your relationships, or having difficulties communicating with others? Do you just need a safe space to vent? These are all normal daily occurrences. This may be where you'll begin in therapy. However, the goal is to increase coping skills and decrease adverse symptoms as time progresses. My goal is to connect with you and truly understand your needs and goals. Expect an environment free of judgment where you can speak freely and show up as your authentic self. My approach is person-centered while utilizing appropriate evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. I help support young adults, individuals, and couples that may be dealing with a range of challenges in their lives related to trauma, anxiety, and depression. Let's work together to identify solutions that can improve functioning and increase life satisfaction.

Kelley Machado

Kelley Machado, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Kelley Machado, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut. You may wonder what does Licensed Clinical Social Worker mean, what does that allow me to do? As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have the unique opportunity to help people work through various points in their lives. In the years I have been a social worker I have worked with various populations of people from many socioeconomic, cultural, and racial backgrounds as well as people with various presenting concerns. I began my career working in the mental health system, then the criminal justice system, then onto medical social work including various medical issues as well as aging and end of life concerns. I believe people can experience difficulties with coping whenever faced with a transition in life. These changes can include monumental transitions that are both good or bad, like a new job, new family members, loss, separations, disappointments, traumatic events, etc. These types of experiences can cause psychosocial distress which can have far-reaching impacts on many aspects of our lives. I work with my clients who include children, adults, couples, and families to find healthy coping methods in order to gain a healthier perception of themselves which can help to strengthen their relationships with themselves and others so they can find themselves as comfortable, secure, and whole. I take time to get to know each of my clients on an individual basis so that I can tailor approaches to care because I have learned that not one approach impacts and helps all clients. I have been trained and adopted many approaches to provide therapeutic support including cognitive-behavioral, attachment theory, developmental theory, trauma theory, and dialectical behavioral theory. Change is not easy and embarking on change takes a tremendous amount of courage and actions. I congratulate you on your wish, strength, and wisdom for seeking help and taking this first step towards making a change in your life. If you are prepared to move beyond wishes and intentions to action and fulfillment- I am here to empower and support you to achieve your goals. I would love to help you reach your goals, whatever that may be in life so you can move forward

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Connecticut rather than a city like Hartford?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Connecticut from New Haven to Springfield! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Connecticut.

Will my therapist take Optum?

Yes! If you use Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Optum you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on Personality Disorders?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need. For example, your selected specialty, Personality Disorders, is filtering therapists in Connecticut that work with patients with similar concerns.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.